If you’ve never tried Alabama Fire Crackers, you are in for a spicy little surprise! These seasoned saltine crackers are bursting with bold flavor – thanks to a simple mix of ranch seasoning, red pepper flakes, and a few pantry staples. They’re ridiculously easy to make, require zero baking, and are the perfect snack or appetizer for game day, parties, holidays, road trips, or just whenever you’re craving something crunchy with a kick. Trust me, once you taste them, you’ll want to keep a batch ready in your pantry at all times!

Alabama Fire Crackers

The most common name for this spicy snack is Alabama Fire Crackers but I’ve also heard them called Cajun Fire Crackers (or Cajun Firecracker Crackers) – due to the Cajun seasoning in the recipe.

These crackers have a nice crunch and a tangy flavor with a hint of spice and whatever you call them, they are a great snack that you’ll want to make again and again.

Personally, I could eat an entire batch all by myself, so double the recipe if you’re making them for a crowd.

Tools Needed

Measuring Cups and Spoons
Mixing Bowl
Whisk or fork
Large baking dish or plastic container (with a lid) or zip-top bag

Ingredients

These six simple ingredients come together to make a Alabama Firecrackers – the perfect party snack!

1 16 oz box of saltine crackers
1 ½ cups canola oil or vegetable oil
1 packet Ranch dressing mix
2 Tbsp crushed red pepper
1 Tbsp cayenne pepper
1 ½ Tbsp Cajun seasoning

Other Optional Ingredients

The above combo is our favorite, but some other recipes skip the Cajun seasoning and use a combo of the following spices instead for this savory snack.

For a fun twist, you can make this tasty snack with Italian-inspired flavor. Just mix in shredded parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.

Substitutions

Crackers – regular saltine crackers are the go-to where I live, but you can also use this recipe with other types of crackers, including mini saltine crackers, oyster crackers, club crackers, Ritz crackers, or even Cheez-It crackers!

How to Make Alabama Fire Crackers

In a large plastic container or baking dish (with a lid), arrange each sleeve of saltines standing in rows.
Add the oil, Ranch mix, crushed red pepper, cayenne pepper, and cajun seasoning to a bowl and mix with a whisk or fork until well combined.

seasoning mix ingredients in clear mixing bowl

Slowly pour the seasoning mixture over the saltine crackers until evenly covered.
To coat the crackers, flip the container over and let it sit upside down for 5 minutes.

spooning seasoning mix over rows of saltine crackers

Let the crackers rest for about an hour, then flip the dish again.
Repeat this step at least 2-3 times or until the crackers are evenly coated with the seasoning.
For the most flavor, let the bag sit for 8 hours or overnight at room temperature so the crackers soak up maximum flavor before serving.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

Pro Tips

I much prefer having the crackers standing up in rows in a dish so I can make sure the seasoning mix gets on all the crackers. But you could certainly place all the crackers in a Ziploc bag and toss them around the same way.
You can add more or less of the seasonings to change the spice level if you want milder crackers or a more spicy kick!
They are perfect with soups, your favorite dips or just as a casual snack! Ilove to eat pimento cheese with them – talk about a treat for your taste buds! You could also add them to a charcuterie board.

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